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MLB tells union which players it will suspend

Associated Press

Posted:
07/30/2013 10:35:23 PM MDT

Updated:
07/30/2013 10:35:49 PM MDT

Major League Baseball has told the union which players it intends to suspend in its drug investigation and which ones will receive lengthier penalties for their roles in the Biogenesis case, two people familiar with the talks tell The Associated Press.

The sides are trying to reach as many agreements as possible that would avoid grievance hearings, and talks could push back an announcement until Friday.

The meeting between MLB and the union on Tuesday, first reported by the New York Daily News, signaled the final stretch of talks. MLB hopes to announce the penalties for all players involved at the same time, both people said, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcements were authorized.

Three-time MVP Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees stands to receive the longest suspension. The stiffer penalties for some players are tied to other alleged violations, including not being truthful to MLB investigators.

Another 2013 All-Star, Oakland pitcher Bartolo Colon, was suspended last year following a positive testosterone test, as were Toronto outfielder Melky Cabrera and San Diego catcher Yasmani Grandal. They won't receive additional discipline for that violation, the two people said.

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Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli and Seattle catcher Jesus Montero also have been linked in media reports to Biogenesis, a closed Florida anti-aging clinic that was accused by Miami New Times in January of distributing banned performing-enhancing drugs.

Melky Cabrera was the 2012 All-Star game MVP while with San Francisco and Colon won the 2005 AL Cy Young Award with the Los Angeles Angels.

Players who don't reach agreements can ask the players' association to file grievances, which would lead to hearings before arbitrator Fredric Horowitz. Discipline for first offenders under the drug agreement usually is not announced until after the penalty is upheld, but there is an exception when the conduct leading to the discipline already has been made public.

Dodgers sign reliever

Wilson to 1-year deal

The Beard is back in baseball.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed free-agent reliever Brian Wilson to a one-year contract. He will join the team after pitching in the minors on a rehab assignment.

"One thing we talked about was that quality power on the back end," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "It's one of the areas we felt could still help us."

Wilson hasn't pitched in the majors since April 12, 2012, the same month he underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

He threw in front of scouts last week, and Mattingly said the Dodgers' representatives were happy with Wilson's location and velocity.

Wilson was one of the majors' top relievers from 2008-11 with the San Francisco Giants. He was a three-time All-Star and led the big leagues with 163 saves in 186 chances.

He was a key reliever during the Giants' run to the 2010 World Series championship, striking out 16 in 11 2-3 scoreless innings in the postseason. He became a free agent after last season, when the Giants didn't offer him a contract.

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St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina left Tuesday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates with a strained right knee.

The Cleveland Indians have acquired left-handed reliever Marc Rzepczynski from the St. Louis Cardinals.

Milwaukee Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo left Tuesday's 6-5 win against the Chicago Cubs because of tightness in his left hamstring.

Boston manager John Farrell is certainly on-board with expanding the use of replays in baseball after an admitted blown call cost the Red Sox the potential tying run in a loss a night earlier.

The Oakland Athletics have acquired third baseman Alberto Callaspo from AL West rival Los Angeles Angels for infielder Grant Green.

Texas Rangers designated hitter Lance Berkman expects to know soon whether he will play again or retire.

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